Alisson Becker Transfer Rumours: Slot Says Liverpool Focused On Return And Reality

Arne Slot stated that Alisson Becker is concentrating on returning from injury, despite transfer rumours linking a move away from Liverpool. Slot described Alisson’s priority as regaining fitness for club and country, while stressing that Liverpool staff are not engaging with speculation over a possible summer exit.

Alisson is recovering from a knee injury and is expected to be available for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United at the start of May. With Giorgi Mamardashvili also injured, third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is set to start against Crystal Palace, leaving Liverpool short of senior options in goal.

Alisson is under contract with Liverpool until the end of next season, which has added to debate around the long-term future. Reports in Italy have linked Juventus with interest in the Brazil international, though Slot underlined that neither coaches nor officials are addressing such talk internally at this stage.

Slot explained his stance on the wider noise around Alisson’s situation. "I am only focused on the short-term future and that is getting him back into goal as soon as possible," Slot said of the speculation surrounding Alisson. "The answer is going to be that all these rumours that are out there about him and probably about me and about others, we don't react to rumours in this room, also not in my conversations with [sporting director] Richard [Hughes]. We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment."

Since arriving from Roma in 2018, Alisson has played a major part in Liverpool’s recent success under Jurgen Klopp and now Slot. The 33-year-old has helped the club win six major trophies, including last season’s Premier League title, and has built a strong case as one of the leading goalkeepers in the game.

Alisson has made 332 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. During that time, Alisson has kept 137 clean sheets, a figure bettered in that period only by Brazil colleague Ederson among Premier League players in all competitions, with Ederson recording 143. The numbers place Alisson among the most reliable keepers of the last decade.

Slot also outlined what he sees as Alisson’s priorities over the coming months. "The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for, and then he wants to be in goal for the country he wants to play for. That is Brazil. I think that is already the short and mid-term future."

While Alisson’s recovery is closely watched, Mamardashvili’s absence leaves a further gap in Liverpool’s depth chart in goal. The Georgian is also sidelined, which has elevated Freddie Woodman into an important role during a busy phase of the season, as Liverpool balance domestic fixtures and international commitments for several players.

The injury issues extend beyond the goalkeepers. Hugo Ekitike faces a lengthy period out with a serious Achilles injury. Ekitike produced 23 goal contributions, with 17 goals and six assists, in a strong debut season for Liverpool, but medical staff expect the forward to be unavailable for around nine to 12 months and to miss this summer’s World Cup with France.

Slot backed Ekitike to come through the setback after surgery to repair the Achilles problem. "The surgery went well," Slot said. "That was the first and important step he had to take. In such a long rehab process, there are so many crucial steps to be taken before you can say it is going to take that number of months or that amount of months. It is going to take a long time. Everyone can not really call the surgeon and ask him how long it is going to take, they will tell you multiple months. Then it all depends on how rehab goes. He is a very explosive player, which is usually not helpful if you have this injury, but maybe he is the exception to this. We don't know yet, but the first and most important step is that the surgery went well, and he can now work on his recovery, which is going to take a long time. But he will be back stronger, like all the others who have been injured for such a long time."

Slot noted that Ekitike’s explosive style could challenge the rehabilitation, though medical staff will track progress carefully before setting any final return date. The head coach also highlighted the progress of young defender Giovanni Leoni, adding: "Giovanni Leoni, I don't know if you want to know, but I have seen some Instagram posts from the clubthis guy has become a beast."

With Alisson Becker working towards a May comeback, Liverpool are relying on squad depth during a demanding spell. Contract questions, Juventus links, and several injuries create uncertainty, yet Slot’s message stays consistent, with focus on recovery timelines, medical guidance, and short-term goals for both established players and emerging talents.